Waukesha Times

Grace O'Connell's educational journey at Elmbrook has been a pivotal factor in shaping her career aspirations towards Speech and Language Pathology. The unique opportunities provided at Brookfield East High School have played a significant role in solidifying her passion for helping others in this field.

Reflecting on her time at Elmbrook, Grace expressed, "I have always had a passion for Speech and Language Pathology and helping others." She further emphasized, "And my experiences in LAUNCH Future Teachers solidified that it is the field in which I want to work." Her active involvement in the LAUNCH program's Future Teachers strand during junior year proved to be instrumental in guiding her career path towards education and advocacy.

Grace's dedication to her education was evident through her participation in six Advanced Placement (AP) courses and on-campus dual-credit courses. Additionally, her engagement in extracurricular activities, particularly in band and service clubs, showcased a well-rounded approach to her high school experience.

After graduating from BEHS, Grace pursued higher education at Saint Louis University in Missouri, focusing on Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She credits Elmbrook for enabling her to earn credits that accelerated her progress towards her major, allowing her to take classes pertinent to her field early on. Grace's future plans include engaging in internships, study-abroad experiences, and obtaining a Master's degree to enhance her expertise in Speech and Language Pathology.

"I’m very grateful for the opportunities that Elmbrook gave me to get ahead in credits and tuition costs and, more importantly, to show me a career path that fits my interests and passions," Grace expressed her appreciation for the support and guidance she received from Elmbrook in shaping her professional journey.

Grace's story exemplifies the impact of Elmbrook's commitment to providing students with diverse opportunities to explore their interests and pursue their career goals. To read more inspiring stories like Grace's, visit elmbrookschools.org/promise.